Laboratory Safety Series

Electrical Safety in the Laboratory emphasizes the need for safety when using electricity, and discusses how to reduce the potential for accidents involving electrical shock, fire and explosions. Today, laboratories rely on a vast array of electrically powered equipment. To work safely with this equipment, employees need to understand how electricity works, be aware of common electrical hazards and know how to use electricity safely. Areas covered in the course include how electricity works, common electrical hazards, fuses, circuit breakers and grounding, using and maintaining electrical equipment, accidents and emergency procedures, and more.

Flammables and Explosives in the Laboratory discusses the nature of flammable and explosive materials, as well as hazards associated with their use. It also reviews the proper handling procedures and personal protective equipment that should be used when working with these substances. Flammables and explosives are some of the most dangerous materials used in a laboratory. When working with these substances, employees need to know their characteristics, as well as how to prevent accidents and injuries when using them. Areas covered in the course include definitions of flammables and explosives, conditions that can create hazards, the role of ventilation in preventing problems, transporting flammables and explosives, storage considerations, using compressed gases, emergency planning, disposal, and more.

GHS Safety Data Sheets in the Laboratory reviews the composition of GHS Safety Data Sheets, the information that’s contained in each section and how SDS’s are different from Material Safety Data Sheets. Created specifically to assist facilities in complying with the employee training requirements of OSHA’s newly adopted GHS regulations, this course discusses how chemicals should be labeled under GHS. Topics covered in the program include Material Safety Data Sheets and GHS SDS’s, materials and their hazards, hazardous materials emergencies, handling hazardous materials and more.

Handling Compressed Gas Cylinders in the Laboratory examines how gas cylinders work, the hazards that are associated with them and the need for caution when using or storing a cylinder. The energy possessed by a compressed gas cylinder can make it a virtual missile if it is not handled with the utmost care. And a leaking cylinder or fitting can lead to asphyxiation, a fire or even an explosion. Since compressed gas cylinders are frequently used in many laboratories, employees need to be familiar with the precautions that should be taken when dealing with them. Areas covered in the course include the four ways to compress gases, hazards associated with compressed gases, proper storage procedures, marking and labeling, handling cylinders safely, connections and fittings, leak detection, and more.

Laboratory Ergonomics discusses the need to set up work areas correctly, as well as how to minimize the strain of using laboratory equipment, tools and instruments. Many activities in the laboratory can exert stress and strain on muscles and joints… ultimately causing significant injuries. To work safely and maintain good ergonomic health, employees need to know how to avoid movements and work patterns that can be harmful. Areas covered in the course include parts of the body most susceptible to ergonomic problems, arranging work areas to minimize stress and strain, working from neutral positions, most and least stressful types of body movements, proper lifting techniques, effective stretching exercises, and more.

Laboratory Hoods emphasizes how to properly use laboratory hoods and how to test them to ensure correct functioning… as well as discusses how hoods can protect an experiment, the facility, and most importantly, the employee. Many of the materials used in laboratories give off fumes, mists, vapors, particulates or aerosols which are hazardous. To minimize exposure to these materials, special precautions need to be taken. This often means working within a hood. Areas covered in the course include why laboratory hoods are needed, protections afforded by hoods, how hoods function mechanically, proper use of laboratory hoods, testing and maintenance, and more.

Orientation to Laboratory Safety shows both new employees and seasoned veterans the importance of safety in the laboratory… as well as reviews the OSHA regulations and good safety practices that apply to the laboratory environment. A laboratory can be a dangerous place, and with the daily pressures to get things done, employees can be tempted to take shortcuts and ignore safety precautions. With the increasing complexity of the equipment and procedures involved in experiments, employees need an even greater knowledge of safety practices and procedures than they may have had in the past. Areas covered in the course include OSHA regulations, GHS Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), planning safe experiments, personal protective equipment, ventilation controls, chemical storage, accidents and emergencies, waste disposal, and more.

Planning for Laboratory Emergencies discusses how to minimize damage and prevent injuries if an emergency should occur. A caustic acid hose has just erupted…an experiment has shown unexpected reactions… what should employees do to deal with these and other emergencies? Employees need to know when and how they should act in an emergency situation. Areas covered in the course include the emergency plan, types of emergencies, alarms and warning systems, contacting outside agencies, evacuation, fires, explosions and chemical spills, and more.

Safe Handling of Laboratory Glassware discusses the nature of various types of glassware, and the problems it can cause… as well as the need for employees to use and maintain laboratory glassware safely. Broken glassware causes more laboratory accidents than any other hazard. Because it is so fragile, glassware can easily fracture if it is bumped, dropped or too much pressure is applied to it. Some glassware accidents don’t require much more than a band-aid, while others can result in a lot of blood and the need for medical attention. And the threat of contamination from the materials in a broken container can also be a serious problem. Areas covered in the course include inspecting glassware before use, effects of extreme temperatures and pressures, matching glassware to the experiment, working with glass tubing, using personal protective equipment, storage and handling, washing and clean-up, and more.

Employees may never need a safety shower or an eye wash... but if they do, knowing where they are located, and the proper procedures for using them, can prevent serious injury or possibly even save a life. Topics covered in these products include: Getting to eye washes and safety showers in an emergency. Operating showers and eye washes. Exposure to corrosive substances. Testing eye wash and shower equipment. Using showers and eye washes properly. and more.